How To Become A True Art Director (Experience, Role and Types of Art Directors)

[@Bjones4263]

10 years is wild. Let’s not over complicate creative careers. To be an Art Director you need to have a creative eye with design, and know how to communicate for collaboration. Anything else creates a hierarchy system and “puts people in their place” due to experience. Keep creating, keep being collaborative. And I’ll also recommend being a well rounded designer. I’ve noticed in advertising there is a high emphasis on graphic design skills. So, dive in to other design like production design or lighting design to really stand out and be a well rounded visual creative.

[@Androken]

You explain these things really well. Everyone is an art director in their own mind but work experience and time spent refining your skills is key.

[@designthescenes]

thank you and really well said "everyone is an art director in their own mind" will probably use this in another video ; )

[@yaseminureorion]

Thank you for this clear explanation of art director roles and types. You really must be clear, strong, calm and mentoring kind of a person to direct a group of creatives. Communication is one of the most important keys + experience, education of the eye and mind are too. Thanks again.

[@baronbayne9899]

I love how truly deluded so many people must be out there, to think they can just become an art director overnight. I've been in the design industry for 10 years and I don't think I could be an art director. Maybe I could, but certainly not yet. It's taken me this long to start to feel comfortable in what I can do, but I know I have more to learn (and it'll never end), and to be responsible for others on top of your own work is a huge leap.

[@designthescenes]

people with mentality and humility like yours are the ones that actually end up being great directors. All the fake ones end up being assholes everyone dislikes.

[@larakdesigns6227]

Thank you so much for making the time to create the video off my suggestion. Will watch it soon, I will be spending a good amount of time on your channel and take notes

[@silviofreitas5822]

So well put. After 5 years of working at an agency as a graphic designer, my boss asked me if I wanted to start directing the younger ones. The first thing that rushed through my mind was "How could I?! I still need a lot of direction!". I denied, of course, and was kinda looked upon by him. I think it is a terrible idea to consider a mid level designer can lead a team. Even worst - and highly adopted where I live - is try to run an agency with no art director, leaving all the work to production designers. It is bad for the agency, but I think it is double times bad for the designers since they wont have a reference to help them develop the craft.

[@designthescenes]

you described it perfectly, Silvio. I worked at a lot of companies without a proper creative/art director and the mess is huge. Teams without direction and hierarchy don't do very well. People want leadership, someone to learn from and little challenge to grow.

[@ladevinclle3154]

Hey there! 👋 Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the experience required to be a "real" art director. While I agree that experience is valuable, I'd also like to highlight the importance of having young art directors in the industry. I totally get the value of experience, but let's not underestimate the power of fresh ideas! Young art directors bring a burst of creativity and innovation that can take campaigns to the next level. Their new outlook on things can spark unique concepts that resonate with today's audiences. It's not about dismissing experience, but young art directors have a pulse on youth culture that's hard to replicate. They can create visuals and concepts that truly speak to their peers because they're in tune with the latest trends, memes, and energy's And we can't deny the digital era we're in. Young art directors grew up with smartphones in hand, which means they're naturals when it comes to navigating digital platforms and creating content that clicks with online audiences. Also Diversity matters, both in terms of age and backgrounds. Young art directors bring fresh perspectives from various walks of life, helping create more inclusive campaigns that resonate with a wide range of people. Of course, experience brings wisdom, but youth brings an energy that's contagious. Their excitement can inspire the whole team to think outside the box, take risks, and push creative boundaries. Young art directors are like tech wizards. Their familiarity with emerging tools and software can result in mind-blowing campaigns that use the latest tech to their advantage. Think about it - today's young guns will be tomorrow's industry leaders. By embracing them now, we're ensuring a future where the industry continues to evolve with the times. It's not about pitting young against experienced. It's about creating a space where different generations can learn from each other. The seasoned pros can share their knowledge, while young art directors can bring fresh insights that keep everyone updated. So, let's celebrate and experience the vibrant ideas young art directors bring to the table. It's a win-win situation that keeps our industry dynamic and adaptable.

[@designthescenes]

I agree with celebrating young creatives, the only difference is that they should not be called directors, just young creatives, designers etc. The point of my video is that a director level position (which is the real one) it should be given to someone with a level of experience. Not right out of school or someone self-taught that never dealt with other people. What most people confuse nowadays is that an art director with just a graphic designer, and it is absolutely not the same. Have a good Sunday : )

[@DolioFoilio]

Fantastic presentation, People tend to make it look like that experience & going through a path/process isn't needed. Well, it is. Your video really hit the nail on the head!

[@designthescenes]

it's culture of social media and how easy it is to fool others with lies. Experience and hard work gets you somewhere, lies don't ; )

[@khmerxbxboi]

Professional Event Photographer - 14+ years Tech UII Web Designer - 5+ years Copywriter and Content Creator - 3+ years - Going back to Grad = Wish me luck !

[@cubert22]

Thanks for your tips and experience

[@orafacezar]

Hey man! great content!

[@ngltbhimo]

I recently was promoted to junior art director in my company (I've worked here 1 year). I'm the only qualified designer here, so am in charge of basically everything from corporate branding, to building and managing the website, to social media. I've worked previously with senior art directors (one from Phillips) for a year and picked up a lot about what goes into the role. I think my responsibilities in the company reflect those of an art director, but as I have only around 6 years of experience, I am not confident to call myself art director (hence junior art director). I absolutely agree with the importance of experience, especially time spent actually learning new things. I've been nonstop learning. Do you think I'm going about this the right way? Also, my highest education is vocational school as Mediamatiker. What do you think about ADs without bachelors or higher education? Thanks a lot for your input

[@CRXSH]

How would someone balance doing this in the music world too? maybe combining sound and visual design

[@janiphk]

😀 So interesting you take football coach as example⚽️ Great to watch your video around bday🎂

[@designthescenes]

🎉 happy bday!

[@janiphk]

@@designthescenes 🥰Thx

[@RanaShahin-z1m]

In your opinion, who should come up with the concept/ideas, the graphic designer(s) (senior/lead), or the art director?

[@designthescenes]

The art director should. That's the job of an AD, provide direction and make sure the creative work provides a solution to the brief. The designers in theory are there to help the art director. When there is no Art director, like happens in small companies, then the designer must do everything.

[@jamaal_ldn]

Hey, this video was very insightful, thanks so much. I would love to know your opinion on whether it is best to specialise or generalise in design?

[@designthescenes]

Depends, specialize in what you like if you like something enough to stand it for decades, that's why I recommend people to focus on improve their creative muscle. You do this with branding for instance... you don't do this if you specialize in UI.

[@riobel4125]

¡Hola! Un vídeo genial, pero tengo una dudilla. ¿Crees que es posible llegar a ser Director Creativo o Director de Arte sin ser diseñador gráfico o tener alguna formación oficial, sino formación por su cuenta y talento? Y también ¿cuál podría ser el primer paso para llegar a ser un director creativo cuando no tienes experiencia? Me refiero, ¿de qué podrías empezar trabajando para llegar a serlo? Claro, hay que tener en cuenta que no tienes experiencia en otras empresas porque siempre la piden para contratarte.

[@designthescenes]

Lo de tener o no formacion, se pone cuesta arriba sin tenerla, la formacion te ayuda a encontrar trabajo y subir en la profesion antes. La mayoria de gente sin formacion, en mi experiencia, nunca llegan lejos. En el video explico que tipo directores de arte hay, ahi tienes la respuesta a como empezar, en el caso de branding, el director creativo y de arte mas versatil es el que empieza con disenio grafico.

[@katyastyles]

Loved this video! Have a question: how do art directors present their visual concepts (the tools, software, etc they use). thanks!

[@designthescenes]

Great suggestion! I use pretty much any presentation tool (google, ppt, indesign, pdfs) I also use Miro to create moodboards and explorations. I also use Figma to navidate design and give feedback to designers. So I will probably make a video about this!

[@katyastyles]

@@designthescenes awesome, thanks!

[@edwinabilay9332]

@@designthescenesplease create that video. You're video are very clear! Appreciated! Thank you!

[@50charactersonly61]

New subscriber here and I love your content. I have a small problem with your sports example. To be fair, Barcelona had great players. So perhaps it was easy for them to play as a team ... obviously under a director - Pep.

[@designthescenes]

not necessarily, national teams of other countries also have great players but they dont play well as a team because they don't know each other that well. Or the director doesnt figure out how to spark that in them. It's not about the players but how well they play together ; )

[@50charactersonly61]

@@designthescenes I totally agree - Denmark and Greece come to mind with their wins in Euros. But my point here is Barca was a wrong example because of the quality of players that had. But I totally understand where you're coming from. Looking forward to more videos! ✌️👍

[@rohitmane7219]

Hi , I did a course in interior design a few years ago but now I thinking of shifting my focus to becoming a Art Director in a more vast profession such as Films/ TV. Can you guide me as in how to steer my attention towards achieving my goal. Pls do help.

[@omeizasanni]

Im a new subscriber... Why did you stop making videos😪😪

[@rezaattar1669]

thanks

[@hansothe841]

Hi I did photography during an internship with a great photographer and I realized that that's what I wanted to do later and I did a little art direction too and the two combined What study could I do to make artistic direction more based in photography?

[@designthescenes]

Just study photography then? or keep being a designer and aim to get experience with photography, I studied photography on the side and I was also lucky to get assignments in my professional life. Having the access to photoshoots is what gives you the experience. I did study Art Direction, and among the subjects one was photography, but it was mainly about framing, using the camera etc, not really about preparing an art direction deck with casting, make up, clothing etc.

[@Kelexsis]

Please I need help.. I’m a senior in high school and I’m passionate about all kinds of arts and would like to explore them, graphic design caught my eye and I might head down the path to major in it, and my goal is to be a art director, should I major in another art path?

[@designthescenes]

Graphic design is the best path to become one

[@nari1071]

How can I go from marketing background to art direction ?

[@minsichng4407]

i’m interested in this too! i have a fashion mkt and comms background and i want to work towards fashion art direction but idk how to

[@danny8093]

the football clip is not from 2003/04 it's from 2011

[@Coco-xi9hq]

Even easier...do a Photoshop+illustrator course and then change your linked in to Art Director. Takes about a weekend =]

[@designthescenes]

that's exactly the way!

[@chexbox2204]

Thank you for this explanation. I have 8 years as a Graphic Designer and I also teach young upcoming Graphic Designers, Can I apply for a Art Director role

[@designthescenes]

I made a video about the evolution of the designer, and 8 years is what I consider senior designer. Being a real Art Director requires both things: great at craft, and great at managing people. You can apply for an Art Director, but in my opinion you would be junior. In my video I reference mostly to Senior Art Directors. And in most companies they want a graphic designer but they give the title art director so they know candidates will fall for it. So be careful and ask what your role will be, if you have to execute a lot, then you are not an art director.

[@chexbox2204]

@@designthescenes Thank you

[@Kelexsis]

Please I need help.. I’m a senior in high school and I’m passionate about all kinds of arts and would like to explore them, graphic design caught my eye and I might head down the path to major in it, and my goal is to be a art director, I know it’s a bit stretched but I want to know if it’s a good strategy…

[@adamelmalki5745]

should we use the freelance websites like fiverr, upwork or not?

[@designthescenes]

It depends on the context, where you live and all that. I would not advise anyone to use those, because its underpaid, you get clients that are demanding and don't pay well... and on top of that you don't learn anything. Best way to grow as a designer is by working at companies that produce good work, because there you might have a chance to build a portfolio and also learn from someone more experienced. But for some people those platforms seem to work, but my guess is that is very hard to get hired and actually evolve as a designer.

[@memoriesmuseum2824]

Is a bachelor Degree a must have as an art director? Great video

[@designthescenes]

its not a must-have, but it will help you learn faster and gain credibility... I found that most self-taught people never go too far.

[@TheJairoObando]

Are you based out of Spain or US because what you’re describing as a standard Art Director in agencies here is a very Senior AD. I find it very crazy (respectfully) that you’re telling someone with 8 years experience they would be a Junior AD, at least from what I’ve seen in the US.

[@designthescenes]

The big majority of companies offer the art director title just to lure people into a full time job, but the job is about graphic design and they are just graphic designers with a different title. If someone stars from zero it’s impossible to truly art direct because direction requires experience, lots of it. If someone has 8 years of truly directing productions and being creative (something most are not) then that person is close to be senior. The point of the video is about the true, reliable, excellent art director that manages people… everything else is nowadays is people inflating their titles or companies having no idea what an AD truly does. And I am based in Amsterdam, but i hire people worldwide and i see the misconception of what an art director does pretty much everywhere, including the company I work for, until I arrived.

[@alexandrasalvagni6269]

Half of this video was about soccer.